Oakland Roots have signed Santa Clara born, East Palo Alto raised attacker Jesus Enriquez better known to those around the Bay Area as Chuy. From a very early age Enriquez moved to Tijuana to play for Xolos in Liga MX spending more than two years as a part of the club.
Following his time in Mexico, Chuy got the opportunity to return to the United States and play a pivotal role in the USL for Rio Grande Valley where Enriquez would spend two seasons making more than 60 appearances for the Club in 2018 and 2019. This past season in 2020 Enriquez split time between San Antonio and Reno in the USL Championship.
“We are very excited to welcome home a player with the qualities on the ball that Chuy possesses,” said Roots Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. “Chuy is someone who defines Roots, both from a perspective of being from the Bay and knowing what it means to bring that culture to the field but also from the perspective of our Purpose and wanting to give back to his community.”
For Chuy, what defines himself is the love for giving back to his people and his community. The need to give back and help uplift those around him comes from a deep appreciation for those that made sacrifices to give back to him. While soccer was a key factor in joining Roots, Chuy’s decision was influenced by the Purpose-driven mission of the Club.
Oakland Roots have signed Santa Clara born, East Palo Alto raised attacker Jesus Enriquez better known to those around the Bay Area as Chuy. From a very early age Enriquez moved to Tijuana to play for Xolos in Liga MX spending more than two years as a part of the club.
Following his time in Mexico, Chuy got the opportunity to return to the United States and play a pivotal role in the USL for Rio Grande Valley where Enriquez would spend two seasons making more than 60 appearances for the Club in 2018 and 2019. This past season in 2020 Enriquez split time between San Antonio and Reno in the USL Championship.
“We are very excited to welcome home a player with the qualities on the ball that Chuy possesses,” said Roots Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. “Chuy is someone who defines Roots, both from a perspective of being from the Bay and knowing what it means to bring that culture to the field but also from the perspective of our Purpose and wanting to give back to his community.”
For Chuy, what defines himself is the love for giving back to his people and his community. The need to give back and help uplift those around him comes from a deep appreciation for those that made sacrifices to give back to him. While soccer was a key factor in joining Roots, Chuy’s decision was influenced by the Purpose-driven mission of the Club.
My parents didn't have much growing up, it was tough, so they crossed the border to the United States to give our family a better life. Not only were they taking care of my siblings and I but also were taking care of our family we left back in Mexico.
Coming from two motivated and hard working immigrant parents my siblings and I, were always provided for no matter the situation. We could afford to pay the bills and put food on the table, but extra non-essential items were not always an option.
Personally, growing up we did not get help from the community but I know how it feels to grow up without a lot and that is why I feel it is important to give back. As long as I have the resources and the platform to help and be able to give back I always will.
When it came to soccer my parents supported me from day one at four years old. Even though my parents couldn't make it to most of my games, because they were working, they always made sure I had the equipment I needed. I know I can never repay them but coming home to play professional soccer for the first time in 8 years will be a special moment for me and them. This time I will make sure they are at every home game something they couldn't do when I was a kid.
I am excited to say I am back in the bay.
-Chuy
My parents didn’t have much growing up, it was tough, so they crossed the border to the United States to give our family a better life. Not only were they taking care of my siblings and I but also were taking care of our family we left back in Mexico.
Coming from two motivated and hard working immigrant parents my siblings and I, were always provided for no matter the situation. We could afford to pay the bills and put food on the table, but extra non-essential items were not always an option.
Personally, growing up we did not get help from the community but I know how it feels to grow up without a lot and that is why I feel it is important to give back. As long as I have the resources and the platform to help and be able to give back I always will.
When it came to soccer my parents supported me from day one at four years old. Even though my parents couldn’t make it to most of my games, because they were working, they always made sure I had the equipment I needed. I know I can never repay them but coming home to play professional soccer for the first time in 8 years will be a special moment for me and them. This time I will make sure they are at every home game something they couldn’t do when I was a kid.
I am excited to say I am back in the bay.
-Chuy
